National Science Foundation funds new UAF research vessel.(EDUCATION)

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received initial funding from the National Science Foundation to build the Alaska Region Research Vessel, a 236-foot, $123 million icebreaking vessel. The vessel would support research in high latitudes. The foundation's $2.5 million grant will fund the first of four phases of construction. The vessel will be owned by the NSF and operated by UAF on behalf of the ocean sciences community, through the University-National Oceanic Laboratory System.

The vessel is expected to be completed in 2011. It will accommodate 26 scientists and students. The ship will be based at the Seward Marine Center, and its size will require construction of a new, all-weather dock and additional support facilities.

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